The Factory Delfshaven

transformation of an old factory

In the heart of the vibrant Delfshaven district on the banks of the Schie in Rotterdam lies a distinctive old factory complex that over the years had lost much of its sheen and vitality. Years of vacancy and neglect had thrown the ensemble of characteristic buildings, which had grown into one another, into an almost irreversible process of deterioration. The exterior of the former steam laundry has two distinctive fronts: to the street a row of traditional dike houses, and to the River Schie a factory-looking front complete with tall chimney.

The Delfshaven district is a charming mixture of social housing and elegantly monumental structures. People who live there want to stay there. And the same goes for those who work there. That is why the Stichting Havensteder decided to transform one of the most striking buildings – The Factory Delfshaven – into a multi-tenant complex for small, creative and individualist entrepreneurs. To make the most of the opportunity, they immediately sat around the table with concept developer Lingotto, Mei and the contractor, and together they set out to preserve this monumental complex. Much of the design work was done in real-time during the building process because surprises often came to light only after removing layers during renovation of the Factory Delfshaven.

The strategic design by Mei was based on preserving the existing aesthetic, cultural-historical and structural quality. The approach involved consolidating and strengthening these historical elements, which were then incorporated into the scheme for the complex’s conversion into a series of small-scale and flexible commercial units. The collapsed and dilapidated section was replaced by an atrium.

The completed complex contains 36 unique commercial spaces and a large hall that can host a range of activities. Also included are amenities for the neighbourhood, including two restaurants, a yoga studio and a creative out-of-school facility for children. Commercial spaces are flexible in layout and can be joined together if desired. A central, well-lit atrium occupies the place where the original middle section had collapsed and now forms the dynamic heart of the four-level factory. The atrium serves a range of purposes: circulation space (including stairs and a lift), public space with shared amenities such as lunch areas, meeting islands and swinging seats. Daylight penetrates deep into the building through the new glasshouse roof. Glazing sections between the commercial units and the atrium create an openness and transparency that facilitates maximum synergy with other occupants and stimulates collaboration.

The atrium makes use of the characteristic façade openings that have been preserved. Additions such as the steel structure in the atrium are minimalist and feature a uniform colour palette to preserve the existing spatial quality. Bronze-coloured facades that harmonise with the streetscape characterise the new additions. Crowning the atrium is an industrial glasshouse roof that can be opened in the summer. Many of the materials used, such as plasterboard, steel and glass, are sustainable and recyclable and come with Cradle-to-Cradle certifications.

The Factory Delfshaven responds optimally to the needs of local young entrepreneurs thanks to the functional and flexible rental units, as evidenced by the waiting list for new tenants. The success of neighbourhood amenities also illustrates the strong local anchoring in the Delfshaven district.

Progress

Mei has joined the National Renovation Platform (NRP), which advocates the redevelopment of the existing built environment and promotes expertise and professionalism in the area of renovation and transformation. Mei is keen to participate and contribute to a prospering network…

Mei has entered the project De Fabriek Delfshaven for the Building of the Year prize in the category Quality of Life and Social Cohesion. De Fabfriek Delfshaven is an excellent example of this, as it has improved the quality of life in…

In his latest blog, architecture critic Harm Tilman offers an overview of the architecture highlights of 2013. In that overview The Delfshaven Factory is listed as the most beautiful transformation. Naturally we are very proud of this! ‘The Factory is…

De Fabriek Delfshaven on shortlist for Rotterdam Architecture Prize 2013! This year’s theme is ‘Transformation: Long Live the Existing City’. The Rotterdam Architecture Prize, an initiative from the City of Rotterdam and organised by AIR, was created to stimulate the architecture…

De Fabriek Delfshaven has received the 2nd prize for the Roterodamum Restoration Prize 2013. This award is an initiative of the Historical Society Rotterdam. This foundation aims to promote the interest in the history of Rotterdam and surroundings.

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"We mainly do research in architecture. I work with a psychologist and we conduct Research by Design. For example, we developed design criteria for the Dutch Children’s Oncology Centre in Utrecht. In The Factory you rediscover a belief in architecture. What Mei has done is a fine example of a healing environment. The interior brings people together and stimulates social cohesion. This is a fine place to be and, what’s more, I enjoy a wonderful view. Thanks to the lunch area you meet one another informally and exchanges occur."